The Village of Dixie Inn held a council workshop July 1 at Town Hall to discuss plans for a park grand reopening, potential annexation of nearby property, and staffing concerns within the police department. No action was taken during the meeting, as it was a workshop session. All council members and the mayor were present.
McClanahan Park, which was recently upgraded with the addition of a public restroom, will be the site of a combination grand reopening and back-to-school bash. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 8 PM.
Council members also discussed the possibility of annexing land along Highway 80, beginning with property extending to McIntyre Road. If successful, the council may eventually pursue annexation westward to Goodwill Road.
The first steps include identifying properties in the area through the tax assessor’s office, followed by sending informational letters to property owners and holding a public workshop.
“It’s going to be a lengthy process, and that’s okay,” said Alderman Lance Milligan. He noted that the focus is initially on business frontage along Highway 80 to increase the village’s sales tax base. “Once that happens — if it happens — we can really start to grow,” he said.
Annexation can occur if 51% of property owners in the proposed area are in favor. Milligan added that the Highway 80 corridor includes a significant amount of available land that could support growth.
Dixie Inn currently has 298 residents, a dedicated police department, and no property tax. These could be incentives for potential businesses or residents in the annexed areas.
Police Chief Jeffrey McNeil emphasized the need to review and update the village’s ordinances to identify and amend outdated or conflicting rules prior to annexation. For instance, while some property uses such as keeping large animals may be grandfathered in, others, like burning household trash, would be prohibited under village regulations.
“I feel like we need to get our ordinances in order before we even go to people,” Milligan added.
Staffing needs within the police department were also addressed. The department currently relies on three part-time officers who also work for the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. McNeil proposed hiring two full-time officers, while retaining part-time staff for the Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) and coverage as needed.
“The main thing I’m looking for is stability. Right now, you don’t know when the sheriff is going to pull them,” McNeil said, noting that the current arrangement places strain on part-time officers and limits coverage, especially if the annexation moves forward.
STEP funding comes from a portion of traffic fines collected on interstates and state highways. The funds could be used to offset salaries for part-time officers assigned to traffic enforcement. Hiring two full-time officers would cost approximately $10,000 more than the current cost of the three part-time officers. Full-time officers would be assigned exclusively to Dixie Inn, while part-time officers could continue to run STEP operations.
McNeil said has been working with Minden City Court to get this started, and he plans to present a proposal to adopt STEP at the next regular council meeting.